Gulf Construction Online - Interior design reflects the UAE's heritage

Madinat Jumeirah

Madinat Jumeirah... celebration of Dubai's history

Interior design reflects the UAE's heritage

01 September 2003

As interior designer for the prestigious Madinat Jumeirah resort, KCA International has produced a scheme that intends to reflect the heritage of UAE, in terms of its culture, artistic and architectural legacies, says the UK-based firm.

The design draws on what Dubai and the rest of the UAE historically stand for, and also from its standing as a merchant and trading nation, it says. In addition, the company has extensively used materials which are local or those which have been utilised in the area throughout its history.

According to the marketing manager of KCA, Gillian Best Powell, 'With the emirates being at the crossroads between the East, West, North, and South, it has been influenced by Africa (in the south), Iran and Iraq (to the north), Saudi Arabia (to the west) and even by the European merchants, such as Portuguese and Spanish further afield, and finally India and China (to the east). The design of the Madinat Jumeirah draws on these influences.'

'In short, Madinat Jumeirah is a celebration of what Dubai's history is all about,' she says. 'KCA has also tried to link the design concept to the local pearl diving industry. Some of the materials that have been used are not new, but they have been used in a different way to blend local flavour with the technological advancements of the 21st century.

'To gather inspiration, the design principal Miss Khuan Chew took the design team out to Bastakia to have a look. A lot of assistance was provided by the local Ministry of Public Works and local architects and craftsmen, for which we are grateful and which was extremely useful. KCA tried to be true to the origins of the culture and trading of the area and, we believe, the results speak for themselves.'

The development consists of two main hotel buildings, the Mina Al Salam and the Al Qasr, each consisting of 300 guest rooms. Each building has been individually designed and tailored to meet the changing expectations of the international traveller. In addition to the hotel buildings, there are 27 individual two-storey traditional villas together with a health spa and treatment rooms. All of these traditionally-thematic buildings are linked by a series of waterways with the traditional Abra water taxis to transport the guest to his next destination.

'In addition to the accommodation, the resort provides a traditional suq environment housing a selection of top-quality restaurants, bars and shops together with a theatre and conference centre. Adjacent to the suq, nestles a group of seven luxury villas, each individually designed and appointed to the highest standards. The banquet hall houses two main ballrooms capable of seating approximately 1,200 people in traditional surroundings. In addition, the multi-purpose venue provides a flexible space for exhibitions, shows and promotional launches,' Powell adds.